Launch your OTT Platform in 5 Simple Steps

Ready to Launch Your Own OTT Platform? Unlock Your Streaming Success in Just 5 Simple Steps! Whether you’re a content creator, a media entrepreneur, or simply a passionate film buff, the power to captivate audiences and unleash your creativity is now at your fingertips. In this blog, we’ll unveil the secrets to launching your very own OTT platform in just five straightforward steps.

Yes, it’s possible and easy to launch OTT platform.

No need to invest a hundred thousand, you can affordably build your own OTT business, that too without any coding or involvement of any IT team.

Nope, it’s not a joke neither we are selling you a bait.

With the development of our Zero-coding fully-featured OTT platform, content creators and media distributors can launch multi-screen video/audio streaming services on their own at cost-effective pricing.

Our enterprise-grade end-to-end streaming platform involves dedicated IT infrastructure with 24*7 customer support, Out-of-the-box CMS with more than 100 unique features, and instantly deployable native mobile & TV apps. 

From online video player, CDN, DRM, to analytics tracking and multiple monetization options, every premium feature is well kept in the arsenal to scale up your online streaming business.

So, with Muvi you can start earning revenue on your streaming channel from day 1.

To help you in getting started, here in this blog, we are going to brief on how to launch OTT platform, without writing a single line of code and most importantly within the budget constraints.

Benefits of Launching Your Own OTT Platform

Launching your own OTT (Over-the-Top) platform can offer numerous benefits for content creators, media companies, and businesses. Here are some key benefits of launching your own OTT platform:

Direct Control: 

By launching your own OTT platform, you have full control over your content, branding, user experience, and monetization strategies. You can tailor the platform to your specific needs and goals, without relying on third-party platforms or intermediaries.

Global Reach: 

An OTT platform allows you to reach a global audience. With internet connectivity being widespread, you can distribute your content to viewers around the world, expanding your reach and potential customer base.

Monetization Opportunities: 

OTT platforms offer various monetization models, such as subscriptions, pay-per-view, advertising, and sponsorships. You can generate revenue through multiple channels and diversify your income streams.

Data Insights: 

Launching your own OTT platform gives you access to valuable viewer data and analytics. You can gain insights into user behavior, preferences, and engagement metrics, enabling you to make data-driven decisions for content curation, marketing strategies, and platform enhancements.

Brand Building: 

An OTT platform serves as a platform for showcasing your content and building your brand identity. You can establish a unique presence in the market, build a loyal audience, and create a brand image that resonates with your target demographic.

Flexibility and Customization: 

With your own OTT platform, you have the flexibility to customize the user interface, design, and features according to your brand and audience preferences. You can adapt and evolve the platform based on user feedback and market trends.

Content Control: 

As the owner of the OTT platform, you have control over the content that is published and distributed. This allows you to curate and showcase your content library according to your audience’s interests and preferences.

Viewer Engagement and Interaction: 

OTT platforms provide opportunities for enhanced viewer engagement and interaction. You can incorporate features like comments, ratings, reviews, recommendations, and social sharing to encourage user participation and foster a sense of community around your content.

Flexibility in Content Formats: 

OTT platforms support a wide range of content formats, including live streaming, on-demand videos, podcasts, and more. You can leverage different content formats to cater to diverse audience preferences and expand your content offerings.

Categories of OTT Services – Look before you create an OTT Platform

Premium OTT services can be broadly divided into two categories, each catering to a different group of viewers.

Mass-Market Platform Category

Mass-market platforms are designed for the general public or everyday viewers. They offer a variety of movies, TV shows, and other entertainment videos. The increasing popularity of online video is leading to more competition among premium OTT services like Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu. In addition, major studio broadcasters such as HBO and Disney are also entering the subscription market to expand their offerings.

Niche Services

In the global market, there is a growing interest in niche OTT services. These platforms provide access to hard-to-find content and focus on specific fan bases and audience groups. Examples of niche OTT services include independent aggregators, sports organizations, copyright owners, and even studio broadcasters with exclusive collections of films and specialized content.

Step-by-step guide to launch OTT platform

Before starting, we recommend investing in a niche, which is in demand. 

For your information, Entertainment, eLearning, eSports, Yoga – Fitness, and Lifestyle are the most popular streaming niches today. Building a dedicated streaming service on these niches can easily find you a good volume of paying subscribers.

Muvi offers ready-made, yet customizable OTT apps & website for every streaming niche, you want to work on. Just follow the below-mentioned steps and create your OTT platform at zero upfront investment.

#1 Sign up to create your Video/Audio streaming website

Sign up process is mandatory for every customer. You need to submit all the necessary details including Name, Company Name, and Mobile Number to deploy your streaming website.

Once the account set up is done, your Muvi Store will be created within no time and you can preview your website instantly.

On the top-right corner of your CMS dashboard, you will find a Purchase Subscription icon. If you are really serious about launching your professional white-label OTT platform with every premium feature, click on that icon and get a paid subscription.

#2 Upgrade with your favorite monthly plan

When it’s about pricing, no one offers the budget-friendly rate as ours. You don’t have to arrange a huge investment or break your savings to start your streaming business. A small monthly fee is all you need to pay.

Depending on what configurations you want and how much you can invest, choose your favorite monthly plan from Muvi Standard, Muvi Professional or Muvi Enterprise.

Apart from the above, if you are looking for premium consulting services that involve project management and pro-active monitoring, we have a special deal for you – Muvi Ultimate package (a curated plan for the privileged customers).

Select any of our subscription plans that you are comfortable with and complete the payment to avail all the features that our comprehensive OTT platform offers.

#3  Configure and customize your OTT platform without coding

It’s now time to configure your streaming website with appropriate content categories (Video/Audio), content format (single or multi-part), and type of content (On-demand or Live streaming).

Defining the above elements is an important task, as it gives an overall idea about the content structure and flow of your streaming service. Take some time to explore & understand the configuration process, and accordingly manage all the elements.

After you are done with the content configuration part, you can start customizing your website, ensuring a better User-Interface. Simply select a template from our Template Marketplace and add your logo & banner to it.

With the help of our advanced visual designer, you can easily incorporate ‘n’ number of customizations into the front-end and improve the look & feel of your website. No need to write HTML & CSS codes anymore.

#4 Upload content to your library from the CMS

Content plays a key role in determining the sustainability of a video/audio streaming service. So, the next step is to add content.

Submit basic information like Content Name, Content Category, Description, Release date, and other details to initiate the uploading process. Once your media files are added to the library, you can preview them instantly.

We recommend adding original and exclusive content, which are not available on any other streaming platform, to keep your viewers busy.

Generally, the content uploading process takes a few minutes, but it varies with the number of content and its file formats.

In case, you are facing any difficulties while uploading content, feel free to raise a ticket immediately, and our account managers will be there to resolve your problems.

#5 Set up your Monetization model

Muvi allows you to monetize both live streaming and on-demand videos/audios.

Depending on the scope of your business, you can choose multiple monetization models.

Presently, AVoD, TVoD, and SVoD are the most commonly used monetization methods, ensuring good revenue flow in the streaming business. 

However, if you want, you can also offer content for free or even accept discounts via coupons.

Just tick out your desired monetization model from the above, and monetize your streaming service at one-click. 

Yes, monetizing a streaming platform is that simple!

Technologies that decide the success of an OTT Platform

The success of an OTT platform hinges upon a delicate interplay of cutting-edge technologies. Behind the scenes, a harmonious symphony of tech elements orchestrates seamless streaming experiences that keep viewers coming back for more. If you’re ready to create a thriving OTT platform, it’s crucial to understand the key technologies that play a pivotal role in its success. Let’s dive into the crucial components that can make or break your streaming empire:

Video Hosting:

A robust hosting infrastructure forms the foundation of your OTT platform. Choosing a reliable hosting provider ensures your content is stored securely and accessible to viewers around the clock. Scalability, high uptime, and global reach are essential factors to consider, as they directly impact the user experience and the platform’s overall performance.

Multiple CDNs:

Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) are the workhorses behind efficient content distribution. By leveraging multiple CDNs strategically placed across various regions, you can optimize content delivery speed, reduce buffering, and handle high traffic volumes. A well-designed CDN strategy guarantees a smooth and uninterrupted streaming experience for your audience, regardless of their geographic location.

Streaming Protocol:

Selecting the right streaming protocol is paramount for delivering content seamlessly across diverse devices and networks. Popular protocols like HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH), and Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP) adapt video quality dynamically, ensuring smooth playback and minimizing buffering issues across different bandwidths and devices.

Transcoder:

To accommodate a wide range of devices and network conditions, a powerful video transcoding system is indispensable. A reliable transcoder can convert video files into multiple formats, bitrates, and resolutions on-the-fly, optimizing the viewing experience for viewers accessing your platform through various devices, such as smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and desktops.

Cross-Platform Support:

In today’s multi-device landscape, offering seamless cross-platform support is paramount. Your OTT platform must be accessible across a variety of operating systems, including iOS, Android, Windows, and popular web browsers. Embracing responsive design and developing native apps for major platforms enhances user engagement and extends your reach to a broader audience.

How can you monetize your content and earn money?

Once you’ve sorted out the technical aspects, it’s time to focus on generating revenue for your OTT platform. To make your OTT business profitable, you’ll need to monetize your content effectively. There are various options available for monetization, including:

• Subscriptions (SVOD): Offer paid subscriptions to viewers who can access your content on a recurring basis, providing them with a continuous streaming experience.
• Transactional (TVOD) / Pay Per View (PPV): Allow users to pay for individual content items or specific events they wish to watch, charging them on a per-view or per-event basis.
• Video Advertising (AVOD): Integrate ads into your platform, where advertisers pay to display commercials or promotional content to your viewers.
• Crowdfunding & Donation: Enable viewers to support your content by accepting crowdfunding or donation contributions, fostering a sense of community and engagement.
• PPV Bundles: Create bundles of content or events that users can purchase for a fixed price, offering a value proposition that encourages higher spending.
• Coupon Codes: Provide special codes that offer discounts or exclusive access to certain content, attracting and rewarding loyal viewers.
• Gift cards & Vouchers: Allow users to purchase gift cards or vouchers that can be redeemed for access to premium content or special features.
• Credits: Implement a credit system where users can purchase credits and use them to unlock specific content or features within your platform.

Whichever monetization model you choose, it’s important to ensure that your platform is flexible enough to support it. For instance, if you opt for video ad-supported (AVOD) monetization, your platform should have the capability to integrate with multiple ad servers and networks.

To maximize your business potential and cater to diverse audiences and preferences, it’s wise to select a solution that can accommodate multiple monetization models. This will ensure the agility of your business as it expands globally, tapping into different demographics and user bases. With the right monetization strategy in place, your OTT platform can thrive financially while delivering engaging content to your viewers.

Tips to Secure Your Platform

When it comes to an OTT platform, security and customization are two critical aspects that can make or break your success. Let’s delve into the importance of these features and how they can enhance your platform:

Security:

In the digital realm, ensuring the security of your content, user data, and platform integrity is paramount. A robust security framework helps build trust among your users and safeguards against unauthorized access or piracy. Here are some essential security features to look for in an OTT platform:

Digital Rights Management (DRM):

Implement DRM technologies to protect your valuable content from unauthorized copying, distribution, or piracy. DRM encryption ensures that only authorized viewers can access and consume your premium content.

Secure Player:

Choose an OTT platform that offers a secure video player, which incorporates robust video playback protection mechanisms. This prevents content theft, illegal downloads, and screen capturing, providing an additional layer of security.

User Authentication:

Implement secure user authentication methods, such as password-protected accounts, two-factor authentication (2FA), or social media login integration. This ensures that only authorized users can access your platform and its content.

Secure Payment Processing:

If you offer subscription-based or transactional monetization models, it’s crucial to prioritize secure payment processing. Utilize industry-standard encryption and compliance with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) to protect your users’ financial information.

Watermarking:

Apply dynamic watermarking to your content to track and trace any unauthorized distribution. Watermarks can be customized with user-specific information, serving as a deterrent against content piracy.

How to customize your OTT Platform?

To stand out in the highly competitive OTT market, offering customization options is a game-changer. Empowering your users to personalize their streaming experience enhances engagement and builds loyalty. Here are some customization features to consider:

User Profiles:

Allow users to create personalized profiles with their preferences, viewing history, and recommendations tailored to their tastes. This enables a personalized user experience and encourages longer engagement.

Content Curation:

Implement intelligent algorithms that analyze user behavior and provide personalized content recommendations. By understanding users’ preferences, you can present them with relevant content, enhancing their satisfaction and increasing retention.

Interface Branding:

Customize the look and feel of your OTT platform to align with your brand identity. This includes color schemes, logos, fonts, and overall visual aesthetics. Consistent branding creates a cohesive user experience and reinforces brand recognition.

Language and Subtitles:

Provide multilingual support and subtitles to cater to diverse audiences. This ensures inclusivity and expands your potential user base across different regions.

Viewing Options:

Offer flexible viewing options, such as adjustable video quality, playback speed, or the ability to resume watching from where users left off. This grants users more control over their viewing experience and improves user satisfaction.

By prioritizing security and customization features in your OTT platform, you can establish trust, protect your content, and provide a personalized and immersive experience for your users. These features contribute to the long-term success of your OTT business and differentiate you in a competitive landscape.

Launch and Promote Your OTT Platform

Promoting your OTT (Over-the-Top) platform is crucial to attract viewers, increase user engagement, and drive subscriptions or revenue. Here are some effective strategies to promote your OTT platform:

Content Marketing: 

Develop a content marketing strategy to create engaging and informative content related to your platform’s offerings. This can include blog posts, articles, videos, tutorials, or behind-the-scenes content. Optimize the content for search engines to increase visibility and attract organic traffic to your platform.

Social Media Marketing: 

Leverage social media platforms to promote your OTT platform. Create dedicated profiles/pages for your platform and regularly share updates, sneak peeks, trailers, and exclusive content. Engage with your audience, respond to comments, and utilize relevant hashtags and influencers to expand your reach.

Email Marketing: 

Build an email list of interested viewers and send regular newsletters or updates about new releases, exclusive content, and special offers. Personalize your emails to cater to the preferences and interests of your subscribers.

Influencer Marketing: 

Collaborate with influencers or industry experts who have a relevant audience and reach. They can create content, reviews, or endorsements for your OTT platform, helping to increase brand awareness and drive viewership.

Cross-Promotion: 

Partner with other content creators or complementary platforms to cross-promote each other’s content. This can involve guest appearances, joint marketing campaigns, or sharing content on each other’s platforms to expand your reach and attract new viewers.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO): 

Optimize your website and content for search engines to improve visibility in search results. Conduct keyword research, optimize meta tags, ensure fast page loading speeds, and build quality backlinks to improve your platform’s ranking and organic traffic.

Paid Advertising: 

Invest in paid advertising to reach a wider audience. Consider platforms like Google Ads, social media advertising, or programmatic advertising to target specific demographics, interests, or geographic locations. Optimize your ad campaigns based on performance data to maximize results.

Partnerships and Sponsorships: 

Collaborate with other brands, media outlets, or influencers to sponsor events, create co-branded content, or participate in industry conferences or trade shows. These partnerships can help increase brand exposure and attract new viewers.

Time to go Live and earn money

Searching for how to start OTT platform in India? It will take a few minutes to execute all the steps, maybe less than an hour and your dream of launching a streaming website will be true.

Once your platform is all set, prepare a marketing strategy and focus all your efforts on branding & promotions. Keep a track of your month-by-month revenue as well as subscriber’s stats, and determine the success of your streaming business accordingly. You can also consult with our content monetization expert to boost your OTT platform’s ROI.

Now though, you are clear about how to launch OTT platform seamlessly, you must know the key components that are essential to make a successful streaming service. Here’s an infographic, showcasing all the components in details to start OTT platform. Download it now.

Key components to launch your OTT platform

FAQs

What are the technical requirements for launching an OTT platform?

Launching an OTT (Over-the-Top) platform involves several technical requirements to ensure a successful deployment. Here are some key technical considerations:

• Content Management System (CMS)
• Video Encoding and Transcoding
• Content Delivery Network (CDN)
• Video Player
• DRM (Digital Rights Management)
• User Authentication and Authorization
• Payment Gateway Integration
• Analytics and Reporting
• Scalability and Performance
• Monetization Options
• Cross-Platform Compatibility
• Support for Live Streaming
• Accessibility Features

What are the key features for launching an OTT Platform?

• Geo-blocking
• Mobile and TV Apps
• Cloud Hosting
• Built-in CDN
• Content Partner Portal
• Artificial Intelligence
• Multilingual
• Multiple Monetization
• Skippable & Non-Skippable Ads
• Video Content Management System (CMS)
• DVR-enabled Livestream
• Online Video Player
• Encoding and Transcoding
• Customize Encoding Profiles
• Security
• Analytics & Reports

Can I launch an OTT platform worldwide?

Yes, it is possible to launch an OTT (Over-the-Top) platform worldwide. With the global reach of the internet and the increasing popularity of streaming services, many OTT platforms aim to cater to an international audience.

Can I monetize my OTT platform after launching? 

Yes, it is possible to monetize your OTT (Over-the-Top) platform after launching. In fact, monetization is a common objective for many OTT platforms. 

How can I ensure the security of my OTT platform

Ensuring the security of your OTT (Over-the-Top) platform is crucial to protect your content, user data, and maintain the trust of your audience. Here are some key measures to consider for securing your OTT platform:

• Content Protection and DRM
• Secure Video Playback
• Secure Data Transmission
• Payment Security
• Secure Infrastructure and Hosting
• Regular Updates and Patches
• User Data Protection and Privacy
• Secure API Integrations
• Regular Security Audits and Testing